30/10/2008
Politics Meets Rock, On Belfast-Bound Flight
Heavyweight politics met rock royalty on board a Belfast-bound flight yesterday.
The Gallagher brothers - jetting into the Province to play a sell out Oasis gig (pictured) in the city – found themselves sitting next to Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, and according to sources, they expressed a genuine interest in the political progress here.
Sinn Feín's Martin McGuinness was returning from London, on an afternoon flight, when he struck up conversation with the Oasis front men.
Eyewitnesses on the plane said the Minister and the music superstars appeared to be nattering intently.
On arrival at George Best Belfast City Airport, both parties shook hands and went their separate ways – the band departing through a VIP exit.
A spokesman for the Deputy First Minister confirmed he had met the rockers – and had discussed the peace process.
"Martin has met the Gallagher Brothers before at Heathrow Airport and, yes, he was talking to them again yesterday," an official told the Belfast Telegraph.
"They seemed genuinely interested in what is going on here and seemed to be pretty knowledgeable about the situation as well."
According to the spokesman, Mr McGuinness is an Oasis fan, and mooted the Wonderwall anthem as his favourite tune.
But unfortunately, due to work commitments, the politician could not attend any of the band's Belfast concerts, the spokesman added.
(PR)
The Gallagher brothers - jetting into the Province to play a sell out Oasis gig (pictured) in the city – found themselves sitting next to Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, and according to sources, they expressed a genuine interest in the political progress here.
Sinn Feín's Martin McGuinness was returning from London, on an afternoon flight, when he struck up conversation with the Oasis front men.
Eyewitnesses on the plane said the Minister and the music superstars appeared to be nattering intently.
On arrival at George Best Belfast City Airport, both parties shook hands and went their separate ways – the band departing through a VIP exit.
A spokesman for the Deputy First Minister confirmed he had met the rockers – and had discussed the peace process.
"Martin has met the Gallagher Brothers before at Heathrow Airport and, yes, he was talking to them again yesterday," an official told the Belfast Telegraph.
"They seemed genuinely interested in what is going on here and seemed to be pretty knowledgeable about the situation as well."
According to the spokesman, Mr McGuinness is an Oasis fan, and mooted the Wonderwall anthem as his favourite tune.
But unfortunately, due to work commitments, the politician could not attend any of the band's Belfast concerts, the spokesman added.
(PR)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 May 2023
Election Results 'Clear Sign People Want Politics To Work' – O'Neill
The results of the local council elections is a clear signal that people want politics to work for all, First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said.
Election Results 'Clear Sign People Want Politics To Work' – O'Neill
The results of the local council elections is a clear signal that people want politics to work for all, First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said.
07 January 2003
Minister urged to set up advisory panel for 11-plus
The UUP have brought the issue of the 11-plus exam sharply into focus again with calls for an education advisory panel on the controversial matter to be established.
Minister urged to set up advisory panel for 11-plus
The UUP have brought the issue of the 11-plus exam sharply into focus again with calls for an education advisory panel on the controversial matter to be established.
18 September 2007
Men Detained After Firearms Recovery
Three men have been arrested by police in the greater Belfast area, this morning. A number of firearms were recovered when police stopped a car travelling between Belfast city and Lisburn. The three suspects have been detained at the serious crime suite at Antrim police station.
Men Detained After Firearms Recovery
Three men have been arrested by police in the greater Belfast area, this morning. A number of firearms were recovered when police stopped a car travelling between Belfast city and Lisburn. The three suspects have been detained at the serious crime suite at Antrim police station.
19 April 2002
North Belfast violence flares again
A bomb exploded setting an oil tank on fire during serious clashes between rival factions in north Belfast, the police have said. Police said there were “major disturbances” as crowds of youths threw petrol bombs and missiles on the Ardoyne Road and Hesketh Road on Thursday April 18.
North Belfast violence flares again
A bomb exploded setting an oil tank on fire during serious clashes between rival factions in north Belfast, the police have said. Police said there were “major disturbances” as crowds of youths threw petrol bombs and missiles on the Ardoyne Road and Hesketh Road on Thursday April 18.
05 May 2010
Cross Border Arrests Target Dissidents
Detectives investigating dissident republican activity in south Armagh have arrested three men in Newry. Two men were also arrested in the Irish Republic by Gardaí as part of the same investigation. The men held in Co Down are being questioned in Antrim police station, a PSNI spokesman said.
Cross Border Arrests Target Dissidents
Detectives investigating dissident republican activity in south Armagh have arrested three men in Newry. Two men were also arrested in the Irish Republic by Gardaí as part of the same investigation. The men held in Co Down are being questioned in Antrim police station, a PSNI spokesman said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
